A pair of reserves at third base have already been chosen to hitch the American League All-Star crew in Texas subsequent week, however there’s one other alternative with a robust argument and residing quarters close by.
Josh Smith is batting over .300 the previous two months and ranks within the high 30 in baseball in batting common (.292), OPS (.829), and doubles (19), which is second within the AL.
He provides the flexibility to play a number of infield positions, with 22 of his 82 video games performed at shortstop and the remaining on the scorching nook.
Sadly for Smith, 26, the place is well-stocked on the AL roster. Rafael Devers (Crimson Sox) and Isaac Paredes (Rays) are in as reserves behind American League starter Jose Ramirez (Guardians).
Smith helped spare the Rangers with out Josh Jung within the first half, however he won’t get the Midsummer Basic residence recreation in Texas he deserves.
Smith does have one large issue taking part in in his favor: AL supervisor Bruce Bochy additionally manages the Rangers and can assist steer selections ought to any harm replacements be wanted.
Listed here are the opposite uninvited All-Stars deserving of consideration:
RHP Ronel Blanco, Astros
Talking of rescue missions, the place would Houston be proper now with out Blanco’s unexpectedly dominant first half? The 30-year-old breakout rose to prominence with a no-hitter and has an 8-3 document. He’s additionally within the high eight within the American League in ERA (2.53) and WHIP (1.01). In 16 begins, 9 had been high quality begins, and the Astros have 12 wins in video games began by Blanco.
OF Willi Castro, Twins
At a place overflowing with star energy, Castro measures up for a Minnesota membership that has just one All-Star earlier than harm replacements are added. Castro has 22 doubles, seven residence runs, and 54 runs and can be a stable decide for late-inning pinch-runner obligation with a number of stellar velocity stats: 5 triples and 10 steals.
RHP Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles
We get it; Baltimore has expertise. However Rodriguez has a share of the American League lead with 11 victories, and the Orioles had solely three gamers chosen from their richly gifted roster.
“I wish to say some stuff,” Rodriguez mentioned Sunday following one other sturdy begin in Baltimore’s 6-3 win over Seattle. “However I can’t.”
Rodriguez isn’t the one member of the Baltimore revival disregarded within the chilly. Anthony Santander has 23 residence runs, nearer Craig Kimbrel posted a 2.10 ERA and greater than 13.5 Ks per 9 innings, and one more AL third baseman, Jordan Westburg, is posting numbers worthy of MVP consideration (39 extra-base hits, 49 RBIs) had been he not taking part in subsequent to Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson.
DH Brent Rooker, Athletics
Talking of late-game spot sub candidates, Rooker would possibly get a glance as a bat off the bench relying on lineup wants if accidents strike this week. Rooker has 18 residence runs and 54 RBIs and isn’t afraid to take a pitch. His on-base share is .353 and he’s smoking the ball at simply the suitable time, with 10 hits (three residence runs) in 20 at-bats in his previous six video games.
1B Christian Walker, Diamondbacks
With 22 residence runs and a present tear that left the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching workers with whiplash final week, Walker is likely one of the most evident omissions within the Nationwide League. He’s no newcomer to the scene, with 69 residence runs mixed within the two seasons previous to 2024, and he brings Gold Glove protection in addition.
SS Masyn Winn, Cardinals
Nearer Ryan Helsley, and his MLB-leading 31 saves deserved the ticket to Texas, however Winn is having an All-Star season and contributing to the Cardinals staying afloat within the NL Central.
The slick-fielding Winn, who’s from Kingwood, Texas, would’ve loved the ticket residence for the break after making a push up to now week by batting .387 in a seven-game stretch throughout which his on-base share was .457.